KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The article serves as a cautionary tale for new Steemizens about the unintended consequences of on-chain politics, specifically getting caught in "bot wars" between veteran users.
• It highlights how automated voting, even when used with good intentions, can attract retaliatory downvotes that nullify a creator's earnings and discourage participation.
• Through a personal analogy, the author argues that navigating the Steem ecosystem requires social awareness, much like avoiding drama in real-life relationships.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This content is most valuable for new and intermediate Steemizens. It provides a relatable, firsthand account of the platform's complex social dynamics, offering insight into the potential pitfalls of automated voting and the actions of "whales" that aren't always apparent to newcomers.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

• The author was caught in the crossfire of a dispute they had no part in. Have you ever witnessed or experienced a similar situation, and what do you believe is the best way for a smaller creator to handle it?
• The post compares Steem politics to real-world drama. What is one piece of social advice you would give a brand-new Steemizen to help them navigate the community successfully?
• Considering the author's experience, do you believe the use of mass-voting bots by individuals is ultimately more harmful or helpful to the platform's ecosystem and the retention of new creators?